Should You Repair or Replace Your Fence?
Wood fencing is the most popular type of fencing material. You can also get privacy fencing. This is tall and blocks out the view. Another type of wood fencing that is common is spaced picket fencing. This has gaps between each panel. These two types of vinyl fencing are available. The chain link fencing is made of all metal and contains only the wire.
It is worth it to replace any posts that are rotting or tilting, as well as panels that are falling apart. This way when the new fence is installed, the structural integrity has a strong base.
Calculate the cost of replacing the entire fence. Next, calculate the cost of the parts that will need to be replaced and add them up. Add the time and cost to your decision. You should weigh the advantages of each. It may cost less to replace, but it will take you a lot longer. Sometimes, fence repair is more time-consuming and costly than replacing it.
How to replace concrete post footing
Rotted posts are the most common problem when fixing fences. The wood fence post that is leaning may indicate that the post has shifted or rotted. You will need to remove concrete footings from the post and replace it.
- Start by removing all obstructions to the repair. Either remove the fencing using a prybar or use a circular or handsaw to cut the damaged sections. Remove the fencing and any rails connected to a post when you are repairing it. We recommend to keep the post in one piece so you have leverage to remove the concrete below.
- Dig 6-8 inches around the perimeter to remove the concrete footing. However, the deeper the concrete, you may need to dig 1-2ft away in order to get around. Continue digging until the post is free to move.
- Use a post-free to break up concrete using a hand-held, sledgehammer or cold chisel. We use a Husky rock bar like this one.
- The concrete and the post that is damaged should be thrown away.
Replacing the damaged fence post
After the concrete footing is removed, replace the damaged one with a brand new one. Make sure that the spacing of holes in the new post is the same as the original. Depending on the style, like privacy for example, this step is not needed.
- You should make sure that the hole is not deeper than the frost depth for your area. The frost can cause the posts to heave if the hole is too small. If you need to dig deeper, you can use a post-hole drill.
- To the bottom of your hole, add 4 inches of crushed rock. Tamper it down with a tamper. This will allow for adequate drainage below the new footing.
- Place the new post in the hole, so it rests on top of the crushed stone. The distance between the bottom of the post’s hole and the bottom rail on the fence should be measured. Add the two measurements and trim that amount from the bottom of your post.
- Install the post again and push it towards the hole so that the rails from the adjacent panels slide into the hole. Pull the post back toward you until it is straight.
How to Brace a Fence Post Plumb
Next, ensure the fence post is straight and not leaning in the hole. There are many ways to brace a fence post. Scrap material is the best and most cost-effective way to brace a post plumb. It can be cut to lengths of 24-48 inches, depending on your fence’s height. However, it’s more than doable without this step as long as you have an extra set of hands to help.
- Because the post should be tightly encapsulated between two fence panels, there shouldn’t be any movement from one side to the other. To make sure there is no wiggle room, you can use a long-handled level to place the post from left to right. After the post is level, insert a 2 1/2 inch exterior-grade screw into each hole.
- Now it is time to brace the fence front to back. First, ensure that the fence post is aligned with the rest. You can do this by running a string from the old post to the left, then across to the new post, and finally to the post to your right. The string line should be just below the new post.
- You can use a level to align the post with the rest.
- From the top of the post, run a brace to the ground. The stake should be placed between 24 and 36 inches from the post. To temporarily attach the brace to the ground, use a drill or wood screws.
- You can also run a second brace from the back of the post.
Your fence post : how to pour concrete
Now it is time to pour the concrete mixture to create the new footing.
- Mix the concrete in either a wheelbarrow or a trough until it is about the consistency of thick oatmeal. You an also dump the concrete into the hole and then add water. Just be sure to mix very well.
- To apply the concrete mix to the hole around the post using a shovel, make sure it is evenly distributed.
- Continue to pour concrete into the hole until it reaches grade. Taper the concrete on the four corners of the footing to the post using a trowel. This will reduce the amount of water that is trapped in the footing and prolong its life.
- We recommended filling the hole with concrete so it’s above ground level. This will help keep water off the post and reduce rioting.
- Depending on the concrete type, it may take up to 48 hours for the concrete to cure. After the concrete has cured remove temporary bracing.
How to Repair Fence Gates
Install an anti-sag system that includes a turnbuckle and a length of cable. You can purchase an anti-sag kit separately or as part a gate kit that includes latch hardware and hinges. Make sure to watch adequate videos online or have professional help. Gates are the hardest part to install and repair on any project.
- Attach an eye hook to the corner of the upper hinge side, and another eye hook to the corner of the lower corner.
- Attach the turnbuckle to the handle and tighten it until the sag is gone. As you tighten the turnbuckle, lift the sagging end with your foot or a prybar.
A gate that swings too far can indicate that the hinges have become loose. A low-tech solution to this problem is to attach a 1×2 or 2×4 stopper to the gatepost. This will ensure that the gate stops when the fence is flush with it. A hydraulic gate closer is a high-tech option. It gently closes the gate and stops it at its correct point.
How to Repair a Chain Link Fence
You will need to remove tension from the mesh in order to repair a damaged section chain-link fence.
- Begin by taking out the wires that are closest to the section in question using pliers. Make sure to reference a video to ensure no errors are done. This could lead to the fence having to be redone.
- Next, attach a fence puller between the fence post and the fence. Finally, draw the fence tighter enough to release tension from the tension bar. You can remove the tension bar by loosening all bolts within the tension band. Remove the fence puller and loosen it.
- The damaged section can be removed by removing the loop at the end of the strand. To do this, use a pair of scissors and gloves. Twist the strand and pull it free. Remove the damaged section and take out the strand on either side.
- Cut a piece of mesh that is the same size as your previous one. Use metal-cutting scissors or cable cutters to cut the mesh. As a guide, use the section you have just removed to determine how large to cut.
- Use the strands that you have removed to weave the new section into your remaining fence. Use pliers to loop the wire around the fence at the top and bottom.
- A fence puller can be attached by sliding a pull bar through the mesh at 4 feet from the post. You should crank the bar so that the mesh links bend no more than 1/4 inch each time you squeeze them together.
- Attach the tension bar to the tension band, and then release the fence puller.
- Attach new tie wires to secure the mesh against the line posts and top rail. A new tension wire should be threaded through the mesh’s bottom openings.
Adjusting the hinge pins can often fix a misaligned chain-link gate.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen the pins and use a woodblock or hammer to reposition them.
- Tap the hinge pin lightly to place the block. Before tightening, check the swing of the gate and reposition it if necessary.